Explore England by Rail

from

£

2010

Utilize the extensive English rail network to explore the corners of the English nation. From the Salisbury Plain and West Country coasts , Lake District and Cotswolds to the charming heritage cities of Bath, York, Stratford upon Avon and Chester. This is the ultimate rail tour of England.

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Landing in London take an Express Rail link in to the city before heading out across the Wiltshire countryside to the historic city of Salisbury, home to cobbled market squares and England's tallest cathedral spire. From here a bus ride will take you to the eerie standing stones of Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain.

Overnight: Salisbury

Journey details: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) and London Underground, followed by 1 hour 30 minutes to Salisbury (approx.)*

Day 2 & 3 Devon, Plymouth and the Cornish Coastline

Enjoy a scenic rail ride across rural Dorset in to the sunny west-country where seafaring town of Plymouth will be your base. Here you'll see the Mayflower steps from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to America and the citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. You may choose to visit the Devonshire coastal towns such as Dawlish or Teignmouth. On day three enjoy a one of England's most scenic train routes across the eerie Bodmin Moor then along the rugged Cornish coast. Enjoy the charm of cobbled fishing villages such as St Ives or visit the most westerly point of Britain at Land's End. Discover tales of pirates at Penzance where you can take a short bus ride to the ferry port for the stunning St Michaels Mount home to a medieval castle and celtic monastry.

Pass through the Mendip Hills of Somerset before arriving in to Regency city of Bath which oozes Georgian opulence. Home to so many sites of historic importance such as the Elizabethan Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent, the entire city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The highlight however will be the magnificent Roman Baths and Pump Room.

Overnight: Bath

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours and 40 minutes (approx.)*

Days 5 & 6 Shakespeare's Stratford, Warwick Castle and Oxford

From Bath, ride the rails to Birmingham your convenient hub in the heart of England. From Birmingham you can visit University city of Oxford where you'll enjoy the college quads and spires of the world-renowned Oxford University which once inspired the likes of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde. Stratford upon Avon is a short train journey south of Birmingham; enjoy Tudor timberwork buildings and the abundant Shakespeare Heritage including his birthplace and Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Historic town Warwick and Warwick Castle are on route back to Birmingham where you can explore the vibrant city with its historic town hall and cathedral or the modern shopping centers and fashionable canal side bars and restaurants.

Overnight: Birmingham (2 nights)

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 1 hour and 50 minutes (approx.)*

Days 7 & 8 Historic Chester and the Beatles' Liverpool

From Birmingham journey by rail to historic Chester, home to Roman City walls and gate towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded "Rows" offering some unique boutique shopping. A short train ride away is the vibrant city of Liverpool which was designated as European City of Culture in 2008. Liverpool is home to two cathedrals, dozens of listed buildings, the famous Albert Docks and a wealth of Beatles Heritage including Matthews Street, the Cavern Club and the Beatles Story Exhibition.

Overnight: Chester (2 nights)

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 1 hour and 40 minutes (approx.) - not including day excursions

Days 9 & 10 The Lake District National Park

From Chester take a train journey into one of England's most scenic corners in the Lake District. Using local buses or tours, explore some of the country's most spectacular natural beauty including the lakes and their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint villages. This region is ideal for walking, hiking, photography or tranquil boat trips soaking up the scenery. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth's Rydal Mount and Beatrix Potter's Hilltop not to mention dozens of tiny Lakeland villages.

Overnight: Windermere, Lake District (2 nights)

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 3 hours and 30 minutes (approx.)*

Days 11 & 12 York City and Surrounds

Fromthe Lakes enjoy a scenic rail trip over hte Yorkshire countryside to the beautiful city of York. This medieval town is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore, from the cobbles of the famous Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, to the Viking Jorvik Center. Stroll along the medieval city walls, gates and towers including Mickelgate Bar and Cliffords Tower before visiting the opulent Georgian Era Fairfax House or the National Railway Museum current home of the Flying Scotsman. The highlight of course will be exploring the gothic masterpiece at the iconic York Minster which dominates the city and marks York as the ecclesiastical capital of the North of England. From York you can take a trail journey to the charming northern town of Knaresborough, the Victorian Spa town of Harogate or the beautiful historic city of Durham whose castle and cathedral enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status.

Overnight: York (2 nights)

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours (approx.) - not including day excursions

Days 13 & 14 London City, Canterbury and Dover

From York take a high speed link south back to the English Capital city; London will act as you base for the next four days. Use your time to explore the city combined with day trips to renowned cities of the South East. In London you'll experience world class shopping, museums galleries and attractions such as Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square. Out of London you may choose to use your rail pass to visit the stunning cathedral city of Canterbury, Dover port and its White Cliff, the funky bohemian city of Brighton or the naval city of Portsmouth.

Overnight: London (2 nights)

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours (approx.) - not including day excursions

Day 15 Return Home

Make your way to the airport for your return flight from Heathrow or Gatwick.

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.